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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Essex

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
4.5
Awesome(601)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Chester
Booked 10 times today
Nestled in the charming town of Chester, Connecticut, The Brushmill by the Waterfall offers a quintessential American dining experience that is both elegant and authentic. Guests are treated to a “spectacular” blend of exquisite cuisine and mesmerizing views of the Pattaconk Creek waterfall. Praised for its “outstanding” service and “delicious, fresh, and local” dishes, The Brushmill excels in delivering an unforgettable culinary journey. The commitment to quality and attention to detail shines through in every dish, from the perfectly cooked hangar steak to the innovative farm-to-table selections. The Brushmill by the Waterfall is truly a standout in American dining, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1708)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook
Booked 9 times today
Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine. A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents. Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.
A photo of The Essex restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1034)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the heart of Old Saybrook, The Essex delivers an exquisite blend of Contemporary French and American cuisine that captivates the senses. With accolades like "Best New Restaurant in New England" by Yankee Magazine, it is no wonder diners rave about the "creative, fresh, flavorful, and elegant" dishes. The Essex brilliantly fuses local ingredients from the Connecticut River Valley into a menu that evolves with the seasons, offering progressive interpretations of classic meals. Guests are enchanted by the "chefs tasting menu" and the "scrumptious scallops yakitori," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Dining here is truly a celebration of culinary artistry.
A photo of Old Lyme Inn restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(682)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Lyme
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the charming town of Old Lyme, the Old Lyme Inn is a culinary gem offering exquisite Contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through its creative menus, which "embrace the changing seasons" and utilize the fresh bounty of the Connecticut River Valley. Guests rave about the "top-notch" service and the delicious, creatively presented dishes. The inn's cozy ambiance, complete with a fireplace-adorned library and a vibrant jazz club, enhances the dining experience, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Whether savoring a "fabulous" brunch or an elegant dinner, the Old Lyme Inn delights with its authentic and innovative fare.
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1517)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old Saybrook
Booked 14 times today
Nestled in the picturesque setting of Old Saybrook, Fresh Salt stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. With its commitment to using “fresh, seasonal local ingredients,” this restaurant elevates classic dishes with a modern twist that delights the palate. Guests rave about the “fantastic dining experience” and “exceptional service,” making every visit memorable. The menu boasts an array of seafood delicacies like the beloved Lobster Roll and perfect oysters, ensuring “something for everyone.” Diners are treated to breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound, adding to the unforgettable ambiance. Fresh Salt truly captures the authentic essence of Contemporary American dining.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • kimVIP
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The restaurant is very nice inside with a rustic comfortable dining room and bar area. We were there for the special Valentine’s Day menu. The food was very good and well presented. Service was excellent. Would definitely return for regular lunch/dinner meal and would recommend to others.
    More info
    The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
    4.5
  • Michelle
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service was excellent as always. Great restaurant for Valentine’s Day. 😊❤️
    More info
    Old Lyme InnPrice: Expensive• American• Old Lyme
    4.7
  • Crystal
    Connecticut •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It was great. No complaints. We were very impressed with everything.
    More info
    Sugar Factory - FoxwoodsPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Mashantucket
    4
  • NicoleVIP
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had the best Valentine’s Day dinner here. The chocolate brioche bread was delicious. We also received a complimentary cauliflower soup shooter which had excellent flavor. For appetizers we got the yellowtail tartare, which was fresh, and potato and blue cheese flatbread with bacon and onion, which was well balanced. For dinner, I got the scallops with green onion risotto and my fiancé got the short rib. We both cleaned our plates, which is rare for me. In addition to this wonderful meal was equally wonderful service. Our server was so personable and made some much appreciated recommendations as first timers. Will definitely be eating here again!
    More info
    Arethusa al TavoloPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Bantam
    4.9
  • SusanVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Met a friend for an early dinner. As usual it was a CNN lively low key time for dinner. Our favorite server was there and she delivered impeccable and friendly service. She greeted us at the door with a warm hello. The food was excellent. I would highly recommend Aspen for lunch or dinner!
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    4.7
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